Nearly 100 businesses and associations have urged the Danish Presidency to safeguard the ambition and integrity of the EU Climate Law by keeping explicit references to the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle in the Presidency’s compromise text.
EE1st is a cornerstone for building a secure, affordable, and fully decarbonised EU energy system. Removing it from the Climate Law would:
- Undermine implementation of the EU’s energy efficiency framework
- Create uncertainty for policymakers, regulators, and investors still legally bound by the Fit for 55 Package
- Weaken Europe’s collective capacity to deliver on its climate objectives
The energy efficiency industry already supports 1.2 million local jobs across Europe, generates €150 billion in direct annual turnover, cuts energy imports and strengthens European competitiveness
To unlock these benefits, the sector needs consistent, long-term political and legislative support. Weakening or removing EE1st would take us backwards – depriving European businesses of the stability and predictability needed for project delivery, large-scale industrial investments, skills development, research, and innovation.
Read the full letter here.
In a fast-changing political and economic environment, 2025 was a year of continued efforts to strengthen security, stability, and competitiveness for European businesses.
Throughout the year, our work demonstrated that energy efficiency is not only essential to achieving climate goals, but also a key driver of innovation, energy independence and sustainable long-term growth across Europe.
Strong engagement with policymakers, combined with the successful organisation of the 4th European Energy Efficiency Day, highlighted the importance of collaboration and dialogue in advancing shared objectives. Partnerships across sectors and institutions remained central to delivering impact and shaping effective energy policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will intensify our efforts to secure the regulatory certainty that can accelerate the energy transition, while providing businesses with the investment confidence they need and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Read the full Activity Report here.